James Cameron’s Avatar sequels have cast Jemaine Clement. The release of Avatar in 2009 marked a return to the Hollywood blockbuster for director James Cameron. Over a decade had passed since he’d unleashed the massive spectacle that was Titanic upon the world, and everyone from fans to critics to naysayers were interested in seeing just what this new sci-fi world of Avatar would bring to cinemas.

In retrospect, Cameron’s Avatar became a phenomenon that few could’ve predicted. The lead up to the film’s release had promised an event unlike anything anyone had seen before and at the time, Avatar delivered on this promise in several ways. The film ushered in a new era of 3D filmmaking, one that’s since been filled with great successes and failures. And although Avatar went on to become the highest worldwide grossing film of all time (with Avengers: Endgame nipping at its heels as of this writing), Cameron wasn’t finished with the concept. By late 2009, the idea of more Avatar was being publicly discussed, and not long afterward, Cameron revealed he’d be making four more Avatar films.

We presently know that the main cast of 2009’s Avatar will be returning for Avatar 2, but there are still other roles that have yet to be filled. Thanks to Variety, things have become a little clearer on that front, with news that actor/comedian Jemaine Clement will be joining the cast of Avatar 2. Clement, who’s known for a handful of films like What We Do in the Shadows, Moana and Brad’s Status, is best known for his role opposite Oscar-winner Bret McKenzie in HBO’s short-lived Flight of the Conchords.

Avatar 2 will see Clement take on the role of marine biologist Dr. Ian Garvin. There’s no current information as to exactly how or why Dr. Garvin is brought into the story of the upcoming sequel, but the arrival of a marine biologist on Pandora coincides with some of Cameron’s earliest plot teasing – back when the Avatar series was only going to comprise a total of three films, instead of the five that we now know it’ll be made up of. Having previously explained that Avatar 2 will focus on Pandora’s oceans and their ecosystems, it makes complete sense to bring a marine biologist character into the sequel’s plot. The role is a big move for Clement, who, despite his talents, has yet to find the sort of role that will take him to the next level in his career.

Perhaps one of the biggest issues for the four upcoming Avatar sequels is that it’s been so long since the original Avatar was released, and so many changes have occurred in filmmaking and the general state of cinema during this time, that some people just aren’t interested. The truth of the matter is that it’s hard to raise anticipation for something that’s only been talked about for the last decade. Still, it’s important to remember that Cameron has built a career on creating the spectacular. As audiences, we’ve seen evidence of this again and again. So when the time does come for footage to be revealed, it’s not hard to believe that there’s a tremendous possibility it’ll be stunning.

Next: Why the Avatar Sequels Are Worth Their $1 Billion Budget

Source: Variety

  • Avatar 2 Release Date: 2022-12-16 Avatar 3 Release Date: 2024-12-20 Avatar 4 Release Date: 2026-12-18 Avatar 5 Release Date: 2028-12-22